Ball and socket closure
US6161712A · kind A · utility
63Cited by
33References
7Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D47/30
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A closure for sealing the open end of body fluid collection, transport or storage containers or tubes. The closure includes a ball and socket arrangement, wherein the ball rotates within the socket to align a passageway through the ball with the opening in the tube. To close the closure, a tab or protrusion extending from the ball is pushed to rotate the ball and orient the passageway perpendicular to the opening of the tube. When the closure is in the closed position, the ball and socket form a liquid tight seal to prevent liquid in the tube from leaking out of the tube, evaporating or being contaminated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.